• When speaking with potential sites, it is encouraged to discuss the 5 competencies you are required to select as your Practicum focus or consult with the site to ensure the appropriateness of the site for the intended competency interests. There are 22 CEPH competencies along with 5 generalist track competencies and 5 global health concentration competencies that can be chosen. 

• A qualified Site Supervisor should provide a variety of real-world experiences to develop confidence and experience related to public health. The Site Supervisor should have a solid foundation in public health through a degree and/or experience. If the Site Supervisor does not have a doctorate or masters level degree in public health or related field, you will need to provide details on their experience (through a LinkedIn profile, resume or similar document) and share how their experience will guide you to produce professional artifacts that meet your chosen competencies. Practicums cannot be supervised by a family member. 

• A Student may intern with their current employer under the following conditions: 
• If a student has been employed at an organization for more than 30 days from the beginning of the Practicum, then the Practicum responsibilities need to be above and beyond the current scope of work being completed as part of the job. 
• When interning with a current employer, a student’s Practicum Site Supervisor should be someone other than the student’s current direct supervisor. 

Based on your interests and career goals, you will identify a site within your community to complete this experience. You are looking to identify people who work at an organization where their focus is on the health of the population as a whole. These sites include, but are not limited to: 

• State and County Public Health Departments
• State and County Health and Human Services Departments
• Health Centers and Community Clinics
• Global Health Organizations and Clinics
• Hospitals
• Non-Profit Organizations
• Colleges/Universities
• Multi-Specialty Medical Clinics
• Community Mental Health Centers
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
• Insurance Companies
• Environmental Health Consulting Companies 

Reflect upon the questions below to give you some direction as you begin exploring opportunities: 

• What skills would I like to develop/enhance? (e.g., quantitative skills, communication and facilitation skills) 
• What strengths or expertise would I bring to the organization?
• What type of setting would I like to explore? (e.g,. state department, small community-based organization) What kind of project might I be interested in completing?
• What topics or public health areas am I most interested in?
• Choose activities that can be completed within the agreed-upon hours or can be worked on over several weeks, along with other activities.
• Your activities must support the site that you have chosen to work with, and their needs and available materials, datasets, contacts, etc. 

There are various means in which you can communicate with a potential Practicum site, including in-person, via email, or telephone. Ensure you research the organization thoroughly to gather information pertaining to internship opportunity availability, as well as any requirements and or deadlines they may have. 

• If you opt to apply in person, ensure you have contacted the site to schedule an appointment/meeting with the site supervisor(s) beforehand. Also, if applicable, bring your internship application, the SNHU required Practicum documentation, and your resume (If applicable).
• Communication via email provides flexibility during this process. Prior to sending the site your SNHU required Practicum documentation, it is highly recommended that you send an email introducing yourself, explaining the practicum, your interest, goals, etc., as well as a copy of your resume. 

Below is an example of an introductory email to submit to the potential site: 

Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening [Site Supervisors Name and Title], 

My name is [Your Name], I am a Master of Public Health student at Southern New Hampshire University. I will begin my Practicum in the upcoming academic term and am interested in interning with/at [Organization/Site Name]. My Public Health area of interest is [Focus Area] 

I would like to request information pertaining to your internship process, including requirements and deadlines. I look forward to speaking/meeting with you to further discuss how I can utilize my knowledge and skills, which include [List Knowledge and Skill Strengths], to further [Organization/Site Name]’s mission within Public Health. 

[Complimentary Closes i.e. Respectfully, With Gratitude, etc.] 

[Your Name] 

• Communication via telephone is also an option if an email address is unavailable. If you are unsure who to reach out to, ask to be directed to Human Resources for further assistance. Just as you would within an email, introduce yourself, state the purpose of your call (explain the practicum), relay your interest, goals, etc., as well as inquire about internship opportunities, availability, requirements, and deadlines. 

The Practicum will consist of 2 consecutive terms/courses (10 weeks each), each requiring 60 hours (for a total of 120 hours). The Practicum should occur after completion of all core courses (except for your capstone). 

PHE-680 & PHE-685 Eligibility Requirements 

• Completion of Pre-Internship Survey 
• Minimum 3.0 GPA   
• Students should complete the core courses and designated electives except for the capstone before being enrolled in the Practicum Courses.
  • Full-time students may take one core/elective course with PHE-680 and their capstone course with PHE-685. You should work with your Academic Advisor on your course plan.  

What should the 120 hours consist of? 

You will complete the 60 hours within each 10-week term; this breaks down to an average of 6 hours a week. You will complete all 120 hours at the same site, working on your defined project. You will work with the site to further define the project that you will complete based on your interests and the needs of the site. The hours can be completed on-site or in a virtual/remote capacity. Your schedule will be finalized through your conversations with the site. 

• Once you have your Practicum site confirmed, you will then complete the MPH Practicum Plan and submit it to your Internship Administrator for initial review. This form should be submitted at least 8 weeks before the start of your experience. Your Internship Administrator will work with the Program Director and provide feedback on your project, along with the activities, artifacts, and competencies you have identified.  

• Once the Program Director approves your project, you will be directed to complete the Practicum request form in Handshake at least 6 weeks prior to the desired internship term. Failure to submit this request at least 6 weeks prior to the desired internship term may result in the request being denied or considered for a future term. 

• The Practicum request will be reviewed by the SNHU Internship Administrator for completeness and congruence with the student’s academic program.
• The SNHU Internship Administrator will contact the student’s Practicum Site Supervisor to confirm the internship offer and sign the University Internship Agreement form.
• The Practicum request will then be sent to the Program Director for consideration.
• Once the course is built and the instructor assigned, the SNHU Internship team will then notify the student and the student’s Academic Advisor.
• The Academic Advisor will register the student for the Practicum course and notify the student and the SNHU Internship Administrator when completed. 

• The Practicum Plan you must submit to your Internship Administrator Will look like the example below: 

Student Name: Jane Doe 

What is your program of study, MPH or MPH.GHE/concentration in Global Health? 

MPH 

Site Name: The Center for Public Health 

Site Location (City, State): Atlanta, Georgia 

Terms/Dates of Your Practice Experience: 12/4/2026-5/5/2027 

Hours of experience you will complete (our minimum is 120 hours): 120 hours 

Are you completing your hours remotely, in person, or a combination of both: Combination 

Preceptor/Supervisor Name: Jack Bauer 

Preceptor/Supervisor Job Title: Founder/Executive Director 

Preceptor/Supervisor Phone and Email: (000) 000-0000 Ext. 24  

[email protected] 

A Site Supervisor should have a solid foundation in public health through a degree and/or experience. Does your supervisor hold a doctorate or master's level degree within the Public Health field? 

• If “YES,” please state their degree:
• If "NO,” please explain their public health experience (feel free to include a link to their LinkedIn or bio if that is helpful): 

No, however, he is very knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS as an advocate, public speaker, and health educator with twenty years of experience. There is a research coordinator on staff who holds an MPH. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-bauer-24a2a4aa 

• Proofread for grammar and spelling
• Ensure you are providing a full response with enough detail for anyone to get a sense for what you will be doing 

1. If this opportunity is being completed with the same company or institution as your current employer, how is this experience independent/separate from your job? Please describe what you currently do for work, versus what you will be doing for this practicum, and who will be supervising you. Please indicate how this supervisor is separate from your normal supervisor. 

N/A 

If you are not completing this practicum with the same company or institution as your current employer, proceed to Question 2. 

2. What population are you serving/working with during this experience? 

Marginalized populations within the Atlanta Metro area living with HIV and AIDS of all ages and their families. 

• In the chart below, you will identify 5 Foundational and Concentration Competencies that you will meet via the project(s) you complete for your site.  

• Students must have 2-5 artifacts (deliverables) by the end of their practice experience as proof of how they met all 5 competencies that were selected at the start of the experience. This is a nonnegotiable requirement. 

• Complete one row of the following chart for each project that you will complete during your practicum.  See the link to the downloadable chart below:
  
   

Below is a document that breaks down the 22 Foundational Public Health Competencies. You must choose 5 to focus on throughout your Practicum experience, as well as examples of what your artifacts (deliverables) should be: 

Students in the Master of Public Health program (without a concentration) have an option to select up to two of the generalist track competencies if they are applicable to their experience. 

MPH Global Health Concentration Competencies 

Students in the Master of Public Health program with a Global Health concentration have an option to select up to two of the concentration competencies if they are applicable to their experience. 

Below is a concise, professional template with examples you can adapt: 
 

Contact Information 

[Your Name] 
[Phone Number] | [Email Address] | [LinkedIn] | [City, State] 

Professional Summary 
Motivated MPH candidate with a strong foundation in public health principles, research methods, and community engagement. Skilled in data analysis, health education, and program evaluation. Seeking to contribute to [Practicum Site Name] through evidence-based approaches and collaborative problem-solving. 

Education 
Master of Public Health (MPH) – [University Name], [Expected Graduation Date] 

Concentration: [e.g., Epidemiology, Health Policy, Global Health] 

Relevant Coursework: Biostatistics, Epidemiologic Methods, Health Program Planning, Public Health Communication 

Bachelor of Science in [Field] – [University Name], [Year] 

Relevant Experience 

Graduate Research Assistant – [University Department], [Dates] 

Conducted literature reviews and synthesized findings for public health research projects. 

Collected, cleaned, and analyzed quantitative and qualitative data using [e.g., SPSS, R, NVivo]. 

Assisted in drafting reports and presentations for academic and community stakeholders. 

Public Health Volunteer – [Organization Name], [Dates] 

Supported community health outreach events, engaging with diverse populations. 

Distributed educational materials and facilitated small-group discussions on preventive health. 

Skills 

Data Analysis: SPSS, R, Excel 

Public Health Communication 

Program Evaluation & Monitoring 

Community Outreach & Engagement 

Report Writing & Presentation 

Certifications (if applicable) 

CITI Program – Human Subjects Research 

CPR/First Aid 

• Tailor each bullet point to match the practicum’s mission and responsibilities.
• Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., “Reached 200+ community members through health workshops”).
• Limit it to one page unless you have extensive relevant experience. 

Application Personal Statement Examples (If Applicable) 

Why You Have an Interested in Public Health? 

• Below is a concise, original Public Health Practicum Application Essay draft you can adapt to your own experiences and voice: 

My interest in public health stems from a deep belief that health is not just an individual responsibility, but a shared societal commitment. Growing up, I witnessed how access to care, education, and safe environments could dramatically shape the well-being of entire communities. These early observations sparked my curiosity about the systems, policies, and interventions that influence health outcomes beyond the clinical setting. 

Through my academic studies, I have learned that public health is as much about prevention as it is about treatment. I am drawn to its proactive approach—identifying risks, addressing disparities, and promoting equity before illness takes hold. My coursework in epidemiology and community health has strengthened my analytical skills, while volunteer work with local health outreach programs has shown me the power of culturally sensitive communication in building trust and improving participation. 

This practicum offers the opportunity to bridge theory with practice. I am eager to contribute to projects that address real-world health challenges, whether through data analysis, program evaluation, or community engagement. More importantly, I hope to learn from experienced professionals who understand the complexities of implementing sustainable health solutions. 

Ultimately, my goal is to work at the intersection of research, policy, and community action—helping to design interventions that are both evidence-based and responsive to the lived realities of diverse populations. This practicum is a vital step toward that vision, allowing me to deepen my skills while making a meaningful contribution to public health. 

Why Are You Interested in Interning for This Organization? 

• Below is a concise, original Public Health Practicum Application Essay draft you can adapt based on your selected site: 

From the moment I learned about [Organization Name]’s commitment to addressing health disparities through community-driven initiatives, I felt an immediate connection to its mission. My academic focuses on [Area(s) of Interest] and [Why These Interest You]. 

What draws me most to [Organization Name] is [Things you Find Interesting or Impressive About the Site/Organization]. For example, the organization’s recent [specific program or project] demonstrates how targeted outreach can improve health outcomes while empowering residents to take ownership of their well-being. This aligns closely with my own belief that public health is most effective when it amplifies the voices of those most affected. 

Through this practicum, I hope to contribute my skills [ List Your Aligning Strengths] to support ongoing projects, while also learning from the organization’s seasoned professionals. I am particularly eager to gain insight into how [Organization Name] navigates the intersection of policy, research, and community advocacy. Skills I know will be essential in my future career as a public health practitioner. 

Herrity, J. (2019). How to write a cover letter (with tips and examples). Indeed.
     https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/how-to-write-a-cover-letter

Qualtrics. (2024). Pre-internship survey (PINS).
     https://snhu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_41qn8LZJpqYKJvv

Shemmassian Academic Consulting. (2021, June 15). How to write an amazing MPH personal statement.
     https://www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/mph-personal-statement

Southern New Hampshire University. (2022). MPH practicum resource final. SharePoint.

Southern New Hampshire University. (2026). Finding your MPH practicum. SharePoint.

University of Washington School of Public Health. (2017). Resume guide.
     https://sph.washington.edu/careers/resources/resume-guide

Links to Related Resources 

• MPH Finding your Practicum.docx (Guidelines to select an appropriate Practicum Site)
• MPH Practicum Resource_Final_9.2022.docx (MPH Practicum process handbook)
• Pre-Internship Survey (PINS) (Pre-Requisite to determine Practicum/Internship eligibility)
• How to Write a Cover Letter: How To Write a Cover Letter (With Examples and Tips) | Indeed.com (Steps to create a professional cover letter with examples)
• Resume Guide | UW School of Public Health (Steps and examples of how to write a Public Health-tailored resume)
• How to Write an Amazing MPH Personal Statement — Shemmassian Academic Consulting (Guidelines to write a professional personal statement)
• PSRQuestionnaireTipSheet (Guidelines to create PH Survey to utilize as Practicum artifact)
• Tools and Training - SWOT Analysis - MN Dept. of Health (How to create a SWOT Analysis to utilize as Practicum artifact)
• Tools and Training - Logic Model - MN Dept. of Health (How to create a Logic Model to utilize as Practicum artifact)
• Policy Briefs – The Writing Center (How to create a Policy Brief to utilize as Practicum artifact)
• Developing a Community Profile | Community Engagement Playbook | ATSDR (How to create a Community Profile/Analysis to utilize as Practicum artifact)
• Stakeholder Analysis 101 (Example & Template Included) (How to create a Stakeholder Analysis to utilize as Practicum artifact)
• Chapter 30., Section 7. Developing a Plan for Advocacy - Main Section | Community Tool Box (How to create an Advocacy Plan to utilize as Practicum artifact)
• Chapter 8., Section 1. An Overview of Strategic Planning or "VMOSA" (Vision, Mission, Objectives, S… (How to create a VMOSA- Vision, Mission, Objectives, Strategies, and Actions Plan to utilize as Practicum artifact)
• Concept Maps – The Learning Center (How to create a Concept Map to utilize as Practicum artifact)
• 8 Steps to Build a Successful Social Media Strategy (How to create a Social Marketing Plan to utilize as Practicum artifact)
• Use of SPSS in Medical Science - pubmedico.com (How to utilize SPSS- Statistical Package for the Social Sciences to create a Practicum artifact)
• CDC Approach to Program Evaluation | Program Evaluation | CDC (How to create an Evaluation Plan to utilize as Practicum artifact)
• Costing the implementation of public health interventions in resource-limited settings: a conceptua… (How to create a Cost-Tracker to utilize as Practicum artifact)